Kenyans from the Mt Kenya region are in mourning this week following the untimely death of Benga musician John Ng’ang’a, alias John DeMathew, who was killed in a car accident Long Thika road on Sunday evening.
The Kikuyu music star of the hugely popular Benga franchise died when the car he was in rammed into a lorry near Blue Post Hotel. DeMathew’s music industry friends and colleagues have paid tribute on Twitter with many saying they were “totally heartbroken,” but honoured and blessed to [have] known such a wonderful guy.
Many also took to the social media platform to highlight some of the songs they loved by the singer and for many, the song that stood out was a popular one known to many Kikuyus called Njata Yakwa.
Njata Yakwa was a popular love song by the Benga star in which Murang’a county Woman rep Hon. Sabina Chege appeared as a video vixen.
Sabina Chege who featured in the entire video was once a presenter at Coro FM’s breakfast show and also acted at The Kenya National Theatre before she turned to politics and it was during that period that she got to feature in the song.
In the chorus the artiste says;
“YOU ARE MY STAR, MY RIB, OTHERS ARE USELESS. MY HAPPINESS IS ONLY WITH YOU.”
I grew up listening to your songs .your songs are a great inspiration to many. We lost a true hero #RIPDemathew pic.twitter.com/7HhwdTe6zI
— M.W.A.N.G.I (@IamEvance) August 18, 2019
I grew up listening to your songs .your songs are a great inspiration to many. We lost a true hero #RIPDemathew pic.twitter.com/7HhwdTe6zI
— M.W.A.N.G.I (@IamEvance) August 18, 2019
I grew up listening to his music.. So soothing n had content… Why this soon dear Lord?? I still can’t believe that he is no more.. Safiri Salama Legend😢😢.. #RIPDemathew pic.twitter.com/04JUAfZPLi
— Daddy’s girl🇰🇪 (@RisperHunja) August 18, 2019
I am heartbroken 💔… Rest well champ… We will still love you and your songs even after you are gone. #RipDemathew
— Mercy🇰🇪 (@mercy_nkathah) August 18, 2019
Music has always been a channel for advocating for improvements in a non confrontational way and John De Mathew used this. You stood for the betterment of artists & made us proud of the local Kikuyu songs & culture.
You will be greatly missed.#RIPJohnDeMathew #RIPDemathew pic.twitter.com/WTLNWy4yt7— Agnes Kagure (@itsagneskagure) August 19, 2019
Waking up to the news of passing on of John Demathew. He was no.2 Kikuyu musician only after Joseph Kamaru. He was not only a singer, he was a God’s messager, prophet, Kikuyu teacher and a mentor for the young artists.
SAD SAD SAD SAD SAD SAD!#RIPDemathew— THE INCREDIBLY TERRIBLE! (@allen_arnold) August 19, 2019
Just Yesterday night At Our Local John DeMathew performed for us We didn’t know it was his Last time Gone Too Soon… 😪😪😪 #RIPDemathew pic.twitter.com/lQ2eg9kBR7
— ANDY (@AndyUtd_) August 18, 2019